Bites, Boats, & Bold Art 😋

If getting older has taught me anything, it’s to cherish the little things – like that one perfect pair of socks. And when one goes missing? That’s not just laundry roulette, it’s heartbreak. Which is exactly why I like to think of this newsletter as your favorite pair: cozy, dependable, and always there when you need it. Inside, you’ll find local goods to refresh your autumn routine, a boating club that makes relaxation a lifestyle, and plenty of Rhody goodness to keep you feeling snug from head to (hopefully not sock-less) toe.

Patty J Rounds Up 8 Must-Try Rhode Island Eats

From French-inspired fine dining to farmstand finds, Patty J has curated a fresh list of local gems worth savoring this season. Whether you’re craving burritos, oysters, or a signature iced Saigon drift, these spots bring plenty of flavor to Rhode Island’s dining scene. Read more online.

^{• Writing and photography Patty J}

Turn a South County Night Out into a Mini Getaway

Why drive home when you can stretch an evening into a full-blown adventure? From arranging dahlias at a Westerly floral workshop to clapping along at Theatre By The Sea and ending the night at the historic General Stanton Inn, one simple plan became a charming late-summer staycation in Charlestown, Wakefield, and Westerly. Read more online.

^{• Writing and photography by Elyse Major}

Presented by Roger Williams Park Conservancy

“Long Wave” Public Art Installation Mesmerizes Visitors at Roger Williams Park

A captivating new sight is drawing visitors to Roger Williams Park. After sunset, Long Wave – an immersive, illuminated public art installation – transforms the lawn near the Rose Garden into a vibrant, otherworldly landscape. Commissioned by the Roger Williams Park Conservancy, Long Wave is the work of Pneuhaus in collaboration with Smooth Technology, with funding from the RI Commerce Corporation’s RI Rebounds Placemaking Initiative and support from the Providence Parks Department.

Designed and fabricated by Pneuhaus, a Rhode Island-based art and design studio known for its innovative inflatable architecture, Long Wave is built from modular segments tailored to standard fabric roll widths. The lighting and animation elements were developed in partnership with Smooth Technology, a Brooklyn- and Providence-based studio known for integrating responsive lighting into public art and performances.

Spanning nearly 200 feet in length and rising over 20 feet high, the spiraling structure evokes a sense of motion and scale. After dark, dynamic pulses of light move along the structure’s path. “The title, ‘Long Wave,’ refers not only to the sine-like geometry of the structure, but also to broader cycles – of time, energy, and perception – that unfold slowly and steadily across space," says August Lehrecke, co-founder of Pneuhaus.

“Long Wave is a perfect example of how public art can transform familiar spaces into something truly magical,” said Bonnie Nickerson, Executive Director of the Roger Williams Park Conservancy. “We’re thrilled to bring this installation to the park to invite visitors to pause, reflect, and engage with art in a direct and memorable way. It’s a celebration of creativity and community.”

Experience the installation during Sunset at Long Wave on September 26 at 6:30pm, a relaxed gathering with live music, or visit on your own any evening through October 2025. Visit RWPConservancy.org and follow @rogerwilliamspark to share your #LongWave photos for a chance to win Jack-O-Lantern Spectacular tickets at the Zoo!

Find Joy in Everyday Rituals with Local Rhody Goods

As autumn routines settle in, Rhode Island makers offer objects that turn the ordinary into small celebrations. From hand-thrown mugs and tarot decks to cozy blankets and bold scents, these locally crafted picks make daily rituals feel special again. Read more online.

^{• By Britt Machado}

Subscription-based Freedom Boat Club Launches Jamestown Location for Dock-and-Dine Adventures

Freedom Boat Club has expanded to Jamestown, offering members the chance to enjoy Narragansett Bay without the hassle of owning or maintaining a boat. From the new Conanicut Marina location, boaters can cruise to Newport Harbor and step seamlessly from deck to dockside dining, combining coastal views with a stress-free sailing experience. Read more online.

^{• By Jenna Kaplan, photo by Elyse Major}

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📍Block Island

Photo by @coreycaptures_

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